Profile on Artist - Natalie Maras

Natalie Maras

Natalie Maras is an avid researcher who
appreciates fine detail. Educated in archaeology and law, and employed in
science, law and federal government, Natalie takes an interdisciplinary
approach to all of her creative pursuits.

She has traveled extensively throughout
Europe, Asia and America. Her family tradition with museum conservation and
handicrafts has allowed Natalie to absorb wide ranging cultural aesthetics,
which continue to influence her designs.

In 2010, Natalie seized an opportunity to
build a studio and work from home while raising her three young children.
Buoyed by local retail success in her hobby (designing and hand making
accessories), as well as numerous awards from the international polymer clay community,
Natalie registered Findi Flooshki as a business in 2011.
‘Findi Flooshki’ is her grandfather’s term for small treasures.

Emphasizing designs with underlying
meaning over trendy patterns, Natalie creates artwork that both captures… and
keeps attention. From intimate brooches inspired by 500 million year old
trilobites; and lovingly hand carved barrettes bearing replicas of ancient
Egyptian limestone carvings; to colourful and innovative sculptural interpretations of wildlife and botanical subjects; Natalie’s work is fresh, imbued with
learning and continues to gain local and international attention.

Most recently, Natalie has worked mainly
in polymer clay, which is a medium still in its infancy, especially in
Australia. Its extreme versatility allows her to explore other mediums that
have been cherished and guarded by artisans over centuries. Her work comprises
intricate designs that are normally found in museums, including the National
Museum of Australia and the National Dinosaur Museum, where her work was sold
throughout 2011/12. Natalie regularly attends local handmade markets and exhibits in
Queanbeyan and the ACT and also teaches classes from her private studio. Natalie accepts private commissions and participates in the Queanbeyan City Council Arts Trail.